I have a question/problem again. This involves a Grimac Mia ELE. It all started when the solenoid to the hot water tap shorted. I finally had it repaired, and it costed a lot! When I got it back, a new problem arose. The boiler started to overfill intermittently, then permanently. Today, when I turn the Mia on, I get an intermittent beep from the controller. I took the Gicar apart. This is a 30microZ R/E 230Vac with code 9.517.84G0. The Gicar is a couple of PCB's hard wired to each other and housed in a plastic box. One of the micro-etched areas (found at the back of the PCB's) had its protective plastic film burned off. The plastic housing next to the area had evidence of a "burn".

I've called a lot of coffee machine parts sellers in the US and so far, no one has my Gicar in stock. I'm not surprised since the MIA I have has labels of its build year, 2007.

So, can someone point me to where I can most likely have success acquiring this controller?

I have also been thinking that I may not be successful in getting hold of this particular GICAR. The Grimac Mia comes in both ELE and semi auto models. Is it possible to modify my machine? Bypassing the ELE component? I don't make use of the programmable portion anyway. And I've seen a couple of Gicars that are only for water in boiler sensing that are more available than my model.

Thanks in advance. Hope someone can help me get my machine up and running again.

Not that I'm aware of, but if you Google Gicar Repair Seattle, his info will pop up.

I live in dread of the day that the Gicar on my Ellimatic goes out. Seems like there'd be a market for something like an Arduino-based replacement controller. I've never seen a trace of the logic for a Gicar, but the level/fill logic should be pretty simple, as should most of the rest of the functions. Someday, when I'm feeling ambitious, I might try mapping out the functions and start thinking about this more seriously.

Switching to a semi-auto unit would be easily done, just add a switch and leave the auto components disconnected. On some machines (like mine) the auto pad actually covers a hole for a switch. Sorry I can't be of any help with which GICAR you would need, my guess is that there are basic units that will run most any machine. Like I said though just a guess. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

I can agree that the units are interchangeable at least as far as basics go. My Ellimatic is supposed to have a Gicar controller, but it was replaced with a Giemme unit. I'm hoping to get hold of a wiring diagram so I can trace what was done, this was modded before I bought it two days ago! :-)

Hmmmmm...From what I've read now, the ELE version has boiler autofill, and an electronic 'doser' to dispense a pre-programmed amount of coffee/water. If the doser is not important to you, I'd be willing to bet that with minor rewiring (for a straight pump switch instead of the doser), you'll be able to fit a controller from a machine like mine.

I'll check tomorow morning what I can gather from my controller box, and let you know. I know it has a connection diagram on the box, which can only make life simpler. Not sure if the model nr was on there, but I'm sure it can be figured out if it isn't.

GVDub, I agree that the logic can't be rocket science. I'm sure it'll be possible to diy something for pretty cheap.

I am seriously considering going the modification route. The local Grimac distributor here says they have the Gicar board for my MIA ELE, though I asked for a pic to make sure it is "THE ONE" and they haven't replied as of yet. The BOMB? The equivalent of $800++ in my currency for repair/replace! That's almost half of a new machine! This is on top of the $300++ I paid last month for service and replacement of the shorted hot water tap solenoid!!!

Jannus. Let me take a pic of the MIA and its innards and Gicar. Maybe there is a Giemme replacement or equivalent. I am willing to import from the US if need be, $300 + shipping will be plenty big, I think.

Here's a link to the album of MIA's insides. Hope the techs and tech inclined can take a look and help me get started in the mod ;-)Click Here (s756.photobucket.com)

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